COUP

08.27.12

France Urges Syrian Opposition Gov’t

Bertrand Langlois

While other United Nations countries continue to debate taking action in Syria, French President François Hollande has stepped up to the plate. Speaking at France’s presidential palace on Monday, Hollande called on Syria’s scattered opposition to form a provisional government and vowed that France “will recognize” it if formed. Hollande is the first leader from the international community to make such a statement in hopes that a legitimate, unified government would be a solid first step to usurping Assad’s regime. For the time being, Syria’s opposition remains deeply fragmented, but Hollande’s call for a provisional Syrian government may rally the rest of the international community.